Effect of Hemin on the Formation of the Cytochrome System of Anaerobically Grown Staphylococcus Epidermidis.

Jacobs, N. J. (Dartmouth Medical School, Hanover, N.H.), and S. F. Conti. Effect of hemin on the formation of the cytochrome system of anaerobically grown Staphylococcus epidermidis. J. Bacteriol. 89:675-679. 1965.-The cytochrome content and respiratory capacity of cells of a strain of Staphylococcus epidermidis grown in complex media under aerobic and anaerobic conditions were determined. Difference spectra revealed cytochromes of the a, b(1), and o types in aerobically grown cells. These cells respired at a rate of 66 muliters of O(2) per hr per mg of cells (dry weight). The cytochrome content of anaerobically grown cells was markedly reduced, and trace amounts only of cytochromes of the b(1) and o type were visible. The respiratory rate, with glucose as substrate, was reduced to about one-tenth of that observed in aerobically grown cells. Cells grown anaerobically in medium supplemented with hemin had as high a content of pigments resembling cytochromes b(1) and o as did aerobically grown cells; the respiratory rate was 60% of that observed in aerobically grown cells. Cytochrome of the a type, similar to that found in aerobically grown cells, was not detected.